This map gives the location of each the approximately 150 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the eastern portion of North Dakota. The missiles were under the command of Grand Forks Air Force Base. Each missile silo was connected to one of 30 launch control centers where launch crews of the 321st Strategic Missile Wing lived and worked during duty hours in an underground facility.

Nukewatch asked North Dakotans to visit these missile silo sites to “hold vigils” and “contemplate the danger they pose to humanity.” Nukewatch asked its supporters to conduct themselves peacefully if they approached the fence surrounding each silo, and warned them that the sites were protected by armed Air Force personnel.

The missile mission of the Grand Forks Air Force Base was abandoned after the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty of 1991. The silos were imploded; the last one was destroyed in 1998. The remaining ICBMs in the Great Plains were re-targeted to open ocean sites.

Map Activity: How did the missile silos change the landscape and economic situation of North Dakota?